By not picking up this option, it gives us financial flexibility to pursue other free agents, which is important to us," Lakers spokesman John Black said Monday, adding the team remains interested in HorryThe Lakers plan to be active in the free agent market when the negotiating period begins Tuesday. They are seeking a power forward and a guard

Robert had a great run, he has 5 rings, he is blessed. I would like the best for Robert. If we sign him to less money thats good, and if we leave him, its all good also. I think Robert wants to spend more time with his daughter, and that Houston would be a good place for him, I wouldn't want to trade him away to a city that would bad for him...It may come back to haunt us, you know when you do so much for a team and then you treat the player like Don King treats boxers, that is wrong. if we do trade him, it would be good for the lakers to let Horry know and that he leaves with a good relationship with us. Good Luck Robert, if you don't stay, I'll remember the good things.

He is what an NBA player should be. Selfless, talented on both ends of the court, looks to make his team better and he's a winner through and through. I'd be sad to see Bobby go, he's one of the few class acts and true talents in sport. Never a bad word, never unjustified trash talk, never a negative attitude even in the grimmest of circumstances, never another one like him. Thank you Robert for everything you've done for the Lakers and the NBA - thank you.

I found this quote by Rob in the LA Times article to be quite interesting:

"If the person they get, if I have respect for that person, then I know there's a reason behind them not picking up my option," he said. "It depends on if the person they get I think is better than me. I think I would be a little upset if they went out and got somebody and paid them a lot of money. If it's [Gary] Payton, I won't be mad. I'd take Payton, too, because he's a hell of a guard. [Karl] Malone, I won't be upset. But, Juwan [Howard] and P.J. [Brown], I think I'd be a little upset, because we're all about the same speed. Maybe Juwan scores more points, but I still think there's a lot of things I do that they can't do."